Ownership: Plenty of fun, but an almost guaranteed loss-maker

Christmas may be a time of relaxation for many of us but the festive period is a hectic time for anyone involved in the horse racing industry.

The annual feast wouldn’t be possible but for the commitment of those who make the game possible — owners, trainers, jockeys and the people who cater for the every whim of every horse.

Of the stakeholders involved, it is perhaps the importance of owners that’s overlooked the most. John Timpson is one such man. Timpson is a hugely successful businessman, the chief executive and owner of Timpson, a British chain that specialises in shoe repairs, key cutting and engraving.